U.S. patent application number 15/725137 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-03 for method for the operation of a buck converter as a power source for the electronics of a battery system and a battery system with a buck converter.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Maximilian HOFER, Thomas KORHERR.
Application Number | 20180123353 15/725137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57240856 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180123353 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOFER; Maximilian ; et
al. |
May 3, 2018 |
METHOD FOR THE OPERATION OF A BUCK CONVERTER AS A POWER SOURCE FOR
THE ELECTRONICS OF A BATTERY SYSTEM AND A BATTERY SYSTEM WITH A
BUCK CONVERTER
Abstract
A method for operating a buck converter as a power source for
electronics of a battery system, includes: operating the buck
converter in a first mode in which the buck converter provides a
first output voltage; receiving a first control signal; and in
response to receiving the first control signal, operating the buck
converter in a second mode in which the buck converter provides a
second output voltage for a System Basis Chip of the battery
system. The first output voltage has a first value in a range of a
to b, and the second output voltage has a second value in the range
of c to d, wherein b is less than c.
Inventors: |
HOFER; Maximilian;
(Hartberg, AT) ; KORHERR; Thomas; (Hartberg,
AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
57240856 |
Appl. No.: |
15/725137 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02M 3/04 20130101; H02J
7/0063 20130101; G05F 1/648 20130101; G05F 1/56 20130101; H02M 3/00
20130101; H02J 7/007 20130101; H02J 2207/20 20200101; H02J 7/345
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; H02M 3/04 20060101 H02M003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 27, 2016 |
EP |
16196013.3 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a buck converter as a power source for
electronics of a battery system, the method comprising: operating
the buck converter in a first mode in which the buck converter
provides a first output voltage; receiving a first control signal;
and in response to receiving the first control signal, operating
the buck converter in a second mode in which the buck converter
provides a second output voltage for a System Basis Chip of the
battery system, wherein the first output voltage has a first value
in a range of a to b, and the second output voltage has a second
value in a range of c to d, wherein b is less than c.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein a=6V, b=10.5V, c=10.8V and
d=13.2V.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a second
control signal; and operating the buck converter in a third mode in
response to receiving the second control signal, wherein, in the
third mode of operation, the buck converter provides a third output
voltage for a duration, the third output voltage having a third
value in a range of e to f, wherein d is less than e.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein e=21.5V and f=26.5V.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the duration has a value in a
range of 90 ms to 110 ms.
6. The method of claim 3, further comprising: operating the buck
converter in the second mode after the duration has lapsed.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first output voltage is
generated via a pulse width modulation and/or has an alternating
value.
8. A battery system comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a
buck converter comprising: a first input terminal connected to a
first potential provided by the plurality of battery cells; a
second input terminal connected to a feedback circuit; and an
output terminal configured to output an output voltage; and a
battery management circuit configured to be connected to the output
terminal via a first switch, wherein the feedback circuit comprises
a second switch connected in series to a first resistor, the second
switch being configured to electrically connect the second input
terminal to a second potential, and wherein the feedback circuit
further comprises a third switch connected in series to a second
resistor, the third switch being configured to electrically connect
the second input terminal to the second potential.
9. The battery system of claim 8, wherein the feedback circuit
further comprises a fourth switch connected in series to a third
resistor, the fourth switch being configured to electrically
connect the second input terminal to the second potential.
10. The battery system of claim 9, wherein the buck converter
further comprises a third input terminal connected to a timer
circuit.
11. The battery system of claim 10, wherein the timer circuit is
configured to alternatingly open and close the second switch with a
frequency, to cause the buck converter to provide an alternating
first output voltage, wherein the first output voltage has a value
in a range of 6V to 10.5V.
12. The battery system of claim 9, further comprising a transceiver
circuit configured to cause, in response to receiving a first
control signal, closing of the first, second, and fourth switches,
wherein the buck converter is configured to output a second output
voltage having a range of 10.8V to 13.2V in response to the closing
of the first, second, and fourth switches.
13. The battery system of claim 12, wherein the battery management
circuit is configured to hold, in response to receiving the second
output voltage, the first, second, and fourth switches in a closed
state.
14. The battery system of claim 12, further comprising a fifth
switch electrically connected to the output terminal of the buck
converter, and to a first terminal of a relay, the relay comprising
a second terminal electrically connected to the second potential of
the battery system.
15. The battery system of claim 14, wherein the transceiver circuit
is configured to cause, in response to receiving a second control
signal, closing of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth
switches for a duration, and wherein the buck converter is
configured to provide the battery management circuit with a third
output voltage having a range of 21.5V to 26.5V in response to the
closing of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth
switches.
16. The battery system of claim 11, further comprising a capacitor
connected between the output terminal of the buck converter and the
second potential, wherein the timer circuit is configured to allow
for a recurring recharge of the capacitor during a sleep mode of
the buck converter.
17. The battery system of claim 16, wherein the recurring recharge
of the capacitor is performed when the first, third and fourth
switches are open and the second switch is closed.
18. The battery system of claim 11, further comprising a fifth
resistor electrically connected between the output terminal and the
second input terminal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority to and the benefit
of European Patent Application No. 16196013.3, filed on Oct. 27,
2016, in the European Patent Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirely.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] One or more aspects of example embodiments of the present
invention relate to a method for the operation of a buck converter
as a power source for the electronics of a battery system.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] A rechargeable or secondary battery system differs from a
primary battery system in that the secondary battery system can be
repeatedly charged and discharged, while the primary battery system
provides for an irreversible conversion of chemical to electrical
energy. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries may be used as a power
supply for small electronic devices, such as cellular phones,
notebook computers, and camcorders, while high-capacity
rechargeable batteries may be used as the power supply for hybrid
vehicles and the like.
[0004] Recently, many battery systems include a so called System
Basis Chip, which is used to support different functionalities of
the battery system. Some of these functionalities are directed to
the voltage supply for a microcontroller, which is often part of
the battery system as well. Usually, different supply voltage
levels are provided for the microcontroller of the battery system
by the System Basis Chip. For example, such supplied voltage levels
may include a 5V AUX voltage, or expressed in other words, a 5V
voltage for an AUX-input, a 3.3V IO voltage, and/or a 1.25V core
voltage.
[0005] Such System Basis Chips usually require a power supply of
12V. As many battery systems provide for higher voltages, for
example, for a voltage of V.sub.BS=48V, a conversion of this higher
voltage to the lower voltage (of e.g. 12V) for the power supply of
the System Basis Chip may be desired. Usually, such conversion of
the voltage may be performed via a so called buck converter, which
may have the same converted output voltage (e.g. an input voltage
of 48V converted into an output voltage of 12V).
[0006] Additionally, complex relay driver circuits, often operable
in a pulse-width modulation (PWM), or a so called buck mode, may be
used within state of the art battery systems, allowing for the
operation of relays, and enabling a safe separation of terminals of
the battery system from a load connected to the terminals.
[0007] However, the aforementioned converter and circuits, which
are integrated within the battery system, may be complex, may
include a plurality of components, may consume a lot of energy
(thus, are not energy efficient), and may be expensive.
[0008] The above information disclosed in this Background section
is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the
invention, and therefore, it may contain information that does not
constitute prior art.
SUMMARY
[0009] One or more drawbacks of the related art may be avoided, or
at least reduced, according to one or more aspects of example
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, according to
one or more aspects of example embodiments of the present
invention, a method for the operation of a buck converter as a
power source for the electronics of a battery system is
provided.
[0010] According to an example embodiment of the present invention,
a method for operating a buck converter as a power source for
electronics of a battery system, includes: operating the buck
converter in a first mode in which the buck converter provides a
first output voltage; receiving a first control signal; and in
response to receiving the first control signal, operating the buck
converter in a second mode in which the buck converter provides a
second output voltage for a System Basis Chip of the battery
system. The first output voltage has a first value in a range of a
to b, and the second output voltage has a second value in a range
of c to d, where b is less than c.
[0011] In an embodiment, a may be equal to 6V, b may be equal to
10.5V, c may be equal to 10.8V, and d may be equal to 13.2V.
[0012] In an embodiment, the method my further include: receiving a
second control signal; and operating the buck converter in a third
mode in response to receiving the second control signal. In the
third mode of operation, the buck converter may provide a third
output voltage for a duration, and the third output voltage may
have a third value in a range of e to f, where d is less than
e.
[0013] In an embodiment, e may be equal to 21.5V and f may be equal
to 26.5V.
[0014] In an embodiment, the duration may have a value in a range
of 90 ms to 110 ms.
[0015] In an embodiment, the method may further include: operating
the buck converter in the second mode after the duration has
lapsed.
[0016] In an embodiment, the first output voltage may be generated
via a pulse width modulation and/or may have an alternating
value.
[0017] According to an example embodiment of the present invention,
a battery system includes: a plurality of battery cells; a buck
converter including: a first input terminal connected to a first
potential provided by the plurality of battery cells; a second
input terminal connected to a feedback circuit; and an output
terminal configured to output an output voltage; and a battery
management circuit configured to be connected to the output
terminal via a first switch. The feedback circuit includes a second
switch connected in series to a first resistor, the second switch
being configured to electrically connect the second input terminal
to a second potential, and a third switch connected in series to a
second resistor, the third switch being configured to electrically
connect the second input terminal to the second potential.
[0018] In an embodiment, the feedback circuit may further include a
fourth switch connected in series to a third resistor, the fourth
switch being configured to electrically connect the second input
terminal to the second potential.
[0019] In an embodiment, the buck converter may further include a
third input terminal connected to a timer circuit.
[0020] In an embodiment, the timer circuit may be configured to
alternatingly open and close the second switch with a frequency, to
cause the buck converter to provide an alternating first output
voltage, and the first output voltage may have a value in a range
of 6V to 10.5V.
[0021] In an embodiment, the battery system may further include a
transceiver circuit configured to cause, in response to receiving a
first control signal, closing of the first, second, and fourth
switches, and the buck converter may be configured to output a
second output voltage having a range of 10.8V to 13.2V in response
to the closing of the first, second, and fourth switches.
[0022] In an embodiment, the battery management circuit may be
configured to hold, in response to receiving the second output
voltage, the first, second, and fourth switches in a closed
state.
[0023] In an embodiment, the battery system may further include a
fifth switch electrically connected to the output terminal of the
buck converter, and to a first terminal of a relay, the relay
including a second terminal electrically connected to the second
potential of the battery system.
[0024] In an embodiment, the transceiver circuit may be configured
to cause, in response to receiving a second control signal, closing
of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth switches for a
duration, and the buck converter may be configured to provide the
battery management circuit with a third output voltage having a
range of 21.5V to 26.5V in response to the closing of the first,
second, third, fourth, and fifth switches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above and other aspects and features of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description of the example embodiments with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a method showing the output voltage of a
buck converter used as a power source for the electronics of a
battery system, according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a battery system according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in more
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. The present
invention, however, may be embodied in various different forms, and
should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated
embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as
examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention
to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and
techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in
the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of
the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise noted,
like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the
attached drawings and the written description, and thus,
descriptions thereof may not be repeated.
[0030] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and
regions may be exaggerated and/or simplified for clarity. Spatially
relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "under,"
"above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of
explanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in
operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "below" or "beneath" or "under" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example terms "below" and "under" can encompass
both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and
the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be
interpreted accordingly.
[0031] It will be understood that, although the terms "first,"
"second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another element,
component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,
component, region, layer or section described below could be termed
a second element, component, region, layer or section, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0032] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another
element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled
to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements
or layers may be present. In addition, it will also be understood
that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two
elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the
two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or
layers may also be present
[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the
present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an"
are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and
"including," "has," "have," and "having," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of the stated features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and
all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Expressions such as "at least one of," when preceding a list of
elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the
individual elements of the list.
[0034] As used herein, the term "substantially," "about," and
similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms
of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations
in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those
of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the use of "may" when
describing embodiments of the present invention refers to "one or
more embodiments of the present invention." As used herein, the
terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with
the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.
Also, the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or
illustration.
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present
specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or
overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
[0036] According to one or more embodiments, a method of operating
a buck converter includes; operating the buck converter in a first
mode in which the buck converter provides a first output voltage;
receiving a first control signal; and in response to receiving the
first control signal, operating the buck converter in a second mode
in which the buck converter provides a second output voltage for a
System Basis Chip of the battery system. The first output voltage
has a first value in a range of a to b (e.g., V.sub.1 [a; b]), and
the second output voltage has a second value in a range of c to d
(e.g., V.sub.2 [c; d]), wherein b is less than c.
[0037] In such an embodiment, one single buck converter may be used
to operate the System Basis Chip of a battery system with different
output voltages. In more detail, the buck converter may be operable
in a first mode of operation which represents a Sleep Mode and in a
second mode of operation which represents a
[0038] Normal Mode. In the Sleep Mode, the first output voltage
V.sub.1 provided by the buck converter may be lower than the second
output voltage V.sub.2, which is provided by the buck converter in
the Normal Mode. Thus, it is not necessary to provide a battery
system with two buck converters, as at least two different voltage
levels may be provided for the electronics of the battery system by
using one single buck converter.
[0039] Expressed in other words, one single buck converter may be
used to support different components of the battery system, for
example, a System Basis Chip and/or a transceiver circuit. The
output voltage provided by the buck converter varies in dependence
of the state or the mode of operation of the buck converter. This
may allow for reduction of the total number of components that are
used within the battery system, and may provide for a more cost
efficient and energy efficient realization of the power supply of
the electronics of the battery system.
[0040] The first output voltage V.sub.1 may be provided to a
transceiver circuit of the battery system. Furthermore, the first
output voltage V.sub.1 may be provided to a receiver circuit of the
battery system.
[0041] The first control signal may be received via the receiver
circuit or the transceiver circuit connected to a bus system. For
example, the first control signal may be received via a Controller
Area Network (CAN) transceiver circuit.
[0042] According to an embodiment, a=6V, b=10.5V, c=10.8V and
d=13.2V. For example, the first output voltage may have a value of
V.sub.1 [6V; 10.5V]. The second output voltage may have a value of
V.sub.2 [10.8V; 13.2V]. Furthermore, the second output voltage may
have a value of V.sub.2 [11V; 13V]. In such an embodiment, the
output voltages which are provided by the buck converter in the
first and second modes of operation may correspond to the input
voltages used by the transceiver circuit and by the System Basis
Chip, respectively, allowing for the buck converter to supply a
first output voltage to the transceiver circuit in a Sleep Mode of
the buck converter, and to supply a second output voltage to the
System Basis Chip of the battery system in a Normal Mode of the
buck converter.
[0043] According to an embodiment, the method may further include:
receiving a second control signal; and operating the buck converter
in a third mode upon the reception of the second control signal. In
the third mode of operation, the buck converter for a duration
(e.g., a predetermined duration) may provide a third output
voltage, wherein the third output voltage has a value of V.sub.3
[e; f], wherein d<e. In such an embodiment, the buck converter
may also be used to provide for a third output voltage, e.g. for a
relay driver. Thus, in such an embodiment, a relay driver may be
omitted, which may reduce costs, power consumption, and may
increase the efficiency of the battery system. The third mode may
represent a Relay Close Mode.
[0044] According to an embodiment, e=21.5V and f=26.5V. The third
output voltage may have a value of V.sub.3 [21.5V; 26.5V].
Furthermore, the third output voltage may have a value of V.sub.3
[22V; 26V]. In such an embodiment, the value of the voltage
provided with the third output voltage of the buck converter may be
sufficient to close a relay used within the battery system.
[0045] The first output voltage may have a value of V.sub.1 [7V;
10V]. Furthermore, the second output voltage may have a value of
V.sub.2.apprxeq.12V (or =12V). Moreover, the third output voltage
may have a value of V.sub.3.apprxeq.24V (or =24V).
[0046] The predetermined duration may have a value ofT [90 ms; 110
ms]. For example, the predetermined duration may have a value of
T=100 ms. The typical closing time of a relay may be 20 ms. Thus, a
sufficient value for the duration T may be T [90 ms; 110 ms], for
example, T=100 ms, which may assure the safe closure of the relay.
Further, the predetermined duration may have a value of T=20 ms, 25
ms, 30 ms, 35 ms, 40 ms, 45 ms, 50 ms, 55 ms, 60 ms, 65 ms, 70 ms,
75 ms, 80 ms, 85 ms, 90 ms, 95 ms, 105 ms, 110 ms, 115 ms, 120 ms,
125 ms, 130 ms, 135 ms, 140 ms, 145 ms or 150 ms.
[0047] According to an embodiment, the method may further include
operating the buck converter in the second mode after the
predetermined duration has lapsed. In such an embodiment, the buck
converter may fall back into the Normal Mode, providing for a
second output voltage of, for example, V.sub.2=12V, after the relay
has been closed.
[0048] According to an embodiment, the first output voltage may be
generated via a pulse width modulation and/or may have an
alternating value. For example, the first output voltage may
alternate between the values of V.sub.1=6V and V.sub.1=10V. In such
an embodiment, the first mode of operation of the buck converter
may be a Burst Mode, allowing for reduction of a sleep current, and
further increasing the energy efficiency of a battery system. For
example, the sleep current may have a value of I.sub.sleep<25
.mu.A.
[0049] According to an embodiment, a battery system may include: a
plurality of battery cells and a buck converter. The buck converter
may include a first input terminal connected to a first potential
provided by the plurality of battery cells, a second input terminal
connected to a feedback circuit, and an output terminal to output
an output voltage. Moreover, the battery system may include a
battery management circuit to be connected to the output terminal
via a first switching element (e.g., a first switch), wherein the
feedback circuit includes a second switching element (e.g., a
second switch) connected in series to a first resistor. The second
switching element may electrically connect the second input
terminal to a second potential. Furthermore, the feedback circuit
may further include a third switching element (e.g., a third
switch) connected in series to a second resistor. The third
switching element may also electrically connect the second input
terminal to the second potential.
[0050] In such an embodiment, different voltages may be provided
for different components of the battery system, using the single
buck converter realized within the battery system. Thus, one or
more embodiments of the present invention may allow for a reduction
(e.g., a significant reduction) of electronic components.
Furthermore, several functionalities may be realized by the one
buck converter. For example, the functionalities may include the
Power Supply of a System Basis Chip of the battery system, the
Power Supply of a Relay Driver of the battery system, including the
provision of a Power Safe Mode, and the Power Supply for a Sleep
Domain of the electronics of the battery system. The first
potential may be the V.sub.DD potential provided by the plurality
of battery cells. For example, the V.sub.DD potential may have a
value of 48V. Furthermore, the V.sub.DD potential may have a value
of V.sub.DD [36V; 52V]. The second potential may be a GND
potential.
[0051] The buck converter may include components that at least in
part are integrated within a System Basis Chip of the battery
system. Furthermore, at least some of the components of the buck
converter may be realized as an integrated circuit.
[0052] The feedback circuit may further include a fourth switching
element (e.g., a fourth switch) connected in series to a third
resistor, the fourth switching element to electrically connect the
second input terminal to the second potential. In this embodiment,
more than two different output voltages may be provided by the buck
converter.
[0053] In an embodiment, the buck converter may further include a
third input terminal that is connected to a timer circuit. The
timer circuit may be a CMOS timer circuit. The first terminal of a
capacitor may be electrically connected to the output terminal of
the buck converter, and a second terminal of the capacitor may be
electrically connected to the second potential. The timer circuit
may allow for the recurring recharge of the capacitor during a
Sleep Mode of the buck converter, which is also called a Sleep Mode
Refresh. For example, when a recharge is not performed, the first,
second, third, and fourth switching elements may be in an opened
state.
[0054] The timer circuit may alternatingly open and close the
second switching element with a predefined frequency, causing the
buck converter to provide for an alternating first output voltage.
The first output voltage may have a value of V.sub.1 [6V; 10.5V].
For example, the first output voltage may be a pulse width
modulated output voltage. In such an embodiment, a Sleep Mode
Refresh may be performed via the closure of the second switching
element, providing for a feedback of the buck converter.
[0055] In an embodiment, the battery system may further include a
transceiver circuit to cause the first, second, and fourth
switching elements to be closed upon the reception of a first
control signal, thereby causing the buck converter to output a
second output voltage of V.sub.2 [10.8V; 13.2V]. The battery
management circuit may be adapted to cause the first, second, and
fourth switching elements to be closed upon the reception of a
first control signal via the transceiver circuit or via a receiver
circuit of the battery system, thereby causing the buck converter
to output a second output voltage of V.sub.2 [10.8V; 13.2V]. In
such an embodiment, the buck converter may be transferred from a
Sleep Mode into a Normal Mode upon the reception of the first
control signal, which represents a wakeup-signal. With such an
embodiment, the buck converter may be used to provide for two
different output voltages, wherein the higher second output voltage
V.sub.2 may be outputted when needed or desired. Otherwise, the
lower first output voltage V.sub.1 may be outputted, which may
reduce the power consumption, and thus, may increase the energy
efficiency of the battery system.
[0056] The battery management circuit may hold the first, second,
and fourth switching elements in a closed state when provided with
the second output voltage. Furthermore, the battery management
circuit may hold the first, second, and fourth switching elements
in a closed state as long as it is provided with the second output
voltage. In such an embodiment, the Normal Mode may be maintained
by the battery management circuit as long as the second output
voltage is outputted to the battery management circuit, and as long
as no other signal, for example, a timing signal, causes the
battery management system to change the state of operation.
[0057] In an embodiment, the battery system may further include a
fifth switching element (e.g., a fifth switch) electrically
connected to the output terminal of the buck converter and to a
first terminal of a relay. The relay may include a second terminal
that is electrically connected to the second potential of the
battery system. In such an embodiment, the relay may be operated
using the same buck converter, which may allow for a further
reduction of components and power consumption, as a complex relay
driver may be omitted.
[0058] The transceiver circuit may cause the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth switching elements to be closed for a
predetermined duration upon the reception of a second control
signal, thereby causing the buck converter to provide the battery
management circuit with a third output voltage of V.sub.3 [21.5V;
26.5V]. Furthermore, the battery management circuit may cause the
first, second, third, fourth, and fifth switching elements to be
closed for a predetermined duration upon the reception of a second
control signal via the transceiver circuit or via a receiver
circuit of the battery system, thereby causing the buck converter
to provide the battery management circuit with a third output
voltage of V.sub.3 [21.5V; 26.5V]. For example, the predetermined
duration may have a value ofT [90 ms; 110 ms]. For example, when
the predetermined duration has a value of T=100 ms, the safe
closure of a relay may be assured. More specifically, the
predetermined duration may have a value of T=20 ms, 25 ms, 30 ms,
35 ms, 40 ms, 45 ms, 50 ms, 55 ms, 60 ms, 65 ms, 70 ms, 75 ms, 80
ms, 85 ms, 90 ms, 95 ms, 105 ms, 110 ms, 115 ms, 120 ms, 125 ms,
130 ms, 135 ms, 140 ms, 145 ms, or 150 ms.
[0059] The buck converter may be operated in the second mode of
operation after the predetermined duration has lapsed, providing
for the second output voltage.
[0060] According to one or more aspects of example embodiments of
the present invention, a vehicle including a battery system as
defined above may be provided.
[0061] Further aspects of example embodiments of the present
invention may be learned from practice of embodiments of the
present invention, or from the following description.
[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of
the present invention. The method illustrated in FIG. 1 is a method
for the operation of a buck converter as a power source for the
electronics of a battery system. The buck converter may be a
separate component of the battery system or a component that is
integrated within the battery system, for example, a component that
is integrated into the System Basis Chip of the battery system.
[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
method exemplarily includes three steps. As a first step S.sub.1,
the buck converter is operated in a first mode in which the buck
converter provides for a first output voltage V.sub.1. In this
example, the first mode is a so called Burst Mode which is a part
of a so called Sleep Mode in which large parts (or components) of
the battery system's electronics are not active. In this first mode
of operation of the buck converter, the first output voltage
V.sub.1 is provided by the buck converter at the output of the same
to power a transceiver circuit, which in this example is included
in the electronics of the battery system. In this embodiment, the
first voltage V.sub.1 exemplarily is an alternating voltage, which
in this embodiment alternates between the values of V.sub.1=6V and
of V.sub.1=10V to refresh a capacitor that powers a transceiver
circuit, for example. However, it may also be possible to realize
in other embodiments in which the first output voltage V.sub.1 is a
constant voltage, having a value of, for example, V.sub.1=8V.
[0064] The transceiver circuit is also a part (or component) of the
battery system's electronics, and may be adapted to receive and
transmit signals, for example, control signals. In a second step of
this embodiment, a first control signal CS.sub.1 is received. In
this case, the first control signal CS.sub.1 may be a wake up
signal, for example, a CAN wakeup signal, or an RTC wakeup
signal.
[0065] In this embodiment, the transceiver circuit exemplarily
receives the first control signal. However, the reception of the
control signal may also be performed by any other components of the
battery system that is adapted to receive a control signal, for
example, by a battery management circuit.
[0066] According to a third step S.sub.3, the buck converter is
operated in a second mode of operation upon the reception of the
first control signal CS.sub.1. In the second mode, the buck
converter provides for a second output voltage V.sub.2 for a System
Basis Chip of the battery system. In this case, the second mode is
a Normal Mode in which large parts (or components) of the battery
system's electronics are active. For example, the second output
voltage V.sub.2 may have a value of V.sub.2=12V. However, in other
embodiments, other second output voltages V.sub.2 may be
realized.
[0067] FIG. 2 illustrates a method showing the output voltage of a
buck converter used as a power source for the electronics of a
battery system, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. In more detail, FIG. 2 shows a diagram illustrating the
output voltage of the buck converter of a battery system, which is
operated according to a method according to an embodiment of the
present invention. The ordinate of the diagram shows the output
voltage of the buck converter, while the abscissa shows the time or
duration when a respective output voltage is supplied by the buck
converter.
[0068] In this embodiment, the first three steps S.sub.1 to S.sub.3
of the method are the same or substantially the same as the steps
as described above in reference to FIG. 1. Thus, in the first step
S.sub.1, the first output voltage V.sub.1 is outputted via the buck
converter. The first output voltage may have, for example, a value
V.sub.1 that is alternating between a value of 6V and 10V over
time, forming a saw tooth graph in the diagram shown in FIG. 2.
Upon the reception of the first control signal CS.sub.1 in the
second step S.sub.2, the buck converter is operated in a second
mode, outputting a second output voltage V.sub.2 of exemplarily
12V, which in FIG. 2 is illustrated as a constant line.
[0069] In this embodiment, the method further includes the step
S.sub.4 of receiving a second control signal CS.sub.2, and the step
S.sub.5 of operating the buck converter in a third mode upon the
reception of the second control signal CS.sub.2. In this case, in
the third mode of operation, the buck converter provides for a
third output voltage V.sub.3 for a duration (e.g., a predetermined
duration) T. The second control signal CS.sub.2 may be a request
for the closure of a relay, and the third mode is a so called Relay
Close Mode. The third output voltage V.sub.3 exemplarily has a
value of V.sub.3=24V. Moreover, the duration T exemplarily has a
value of T=100 ms.
[0070] In FIG. 2, the third mode of operation is illustrated as a
voltage pulse of a predefined length, allowing for the closure of a
relay. After the pulse, the buck converter is transferred back into
a Normal Mode (e.g., the first mode of operation), which is
maintained until another control signal is received. Thus, all
output voltages V.sub.1 to V.sub.3 shown in FIG. 2 may be provided
using the same buck converter, which supplies different components
of the electronics of the battery system with different voltages.
However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the
voltages V.sub.1 to V.sub.3 may have values which are different
from the values mentioned above, and may also be represented with
different graphs U(t) within a diagram.
[0071] Expressed in other words, at t=0, the buck converter is in a
State Sleep Mode. The Burst Mode shown in step S.sub.1 helps to
reduce a sleep current. When a wakeup signal is received, for
example, a CAN wakeup signal or an RTC wakeup signal, the buck
converter goes into a state that represents a Normal Mode at step
S.sub.2. When there is a request for the closure of a relay, the
buck converter goes into a so called Relay Close Mode. The typical
closing time is 20 ms, and thus, a sufficient value for the time in
this state may be 100 ms. After the relay is closed, the buck
converter goes back into the state that represents a Normal Mode,
and the relay remains closed. During the Normal Mode and the Relay
Close Mode, the System Basis Chip operates. The System Basis Chip
may handle the aforementioned voltages, e.g. 12V and 24V, and may
not influence other domains (e.g., all other domains) supplied by
the System Basis Chip.
[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates a battery system 300 according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] The battery system 300 includes a plurality of battery cells
150, which are schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. In this
embodiment, the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells 150
are connected in series. However, in other embodiments, the battery
cells of the plurality of battery cells 150 may be connected in
parallel or may be connected in series and in parallel. Moreover,
the battery system 300 includes a buck converter 100, which may
include a first input terminal 11 connected to a first potential 44
provided by the plurality of battery cells 150. The first potential
44 provided by the plurality of battery cells 150 may be a V.sub.00
potential that has a Value in a range (or set) of 36V to 52V (e.g.,
V.sub.DD [36V; 52V]), for example, V.sub.DD=48V. However, the
plurality of battery cells 150 may also be adapted to provide for a
first potential 44 that has a value which differs from the values
described above. Furthermore, the battery system 300 includes a
second input terminal 12 that is connected to a feedback circuit
120, and an output terminal 15 adapted to output an output voltage.
Furthermore, the battery system 300 includes a battery management
circuit 90 that is connectable to the output terminal 15 via a
first switching element 1. The feedback circuit 120 includes a
second switching element 2 connected in series to a first resistor
20, and the second switching element 2 is adapted to electrically
connect the second input terminal 12 to a second potential 55. In
this embodiment, the second potential 55 exemplarily may be a GND
potential.
[0074] The feedback circuit 120 further includes a third switching
element 3 connected in series to a second resistor 30, and the
third switching element 3 is also adapted to electrically connect
the second input terminal 12 to the second potential 55. Moreover,
the feedback circuit 120 further includes a fourth switching
element 4 connected in series to a third resistor 40, and the
fourth switching element 4 is also adapted to electrically connect
the second input terminal 12 to the second potential 55. Thus, the
feedback circuit 120 includes three conductive paths, each
including a resistor 20, 30, 40 and a switching element 2, 3, 4.
The three conductive paths are connected in parallel to each other.
Furthermore, a resistor 45 is connected in series to the
aforementioned parallel connections, and the resistor 45 is
connected to the output terminal 15 of the buck converter 100.
[0075] In this embodiment, the buck converter 100 further includes
a third input terminal 18 that is electrically connected to a timer
circuit 110. The timer circuit 110 may be exemplarily realized as a
CMOS Timer circuit that is adapted to alternatingly open and close
the second switching element 2 with a frequency (e.g., a predefined
frequency) causing the buck converter 100 to provide for an
alternating first output voltage V.sub.1. Here, the first output
voltage V.sub.1 may have a value in a range (or set) of 6V to 10V
(e.g., V.sub.1 [6V; 10V]). However, in other embodiments, the first
output voltage V.sub.1 may have a value in a range (or set) of 6V
to 10.5V (e.g., V.sub.1 [6V; 10.5V]), when taking into account
acceptable tolerances for the output voltage V.sub.1. In this
embodiment, the battery system 300 further includes a capacitor 7
having a first terminal that is electrically connected to the
output terminal 15 of the buck converter 100, and a second terminal
of the capacitor 7 is electrically connected to the second
potential 55. The timer circuit 110 allows for the recurring
recharge of the capacitor 7 during a Sleep Mode of the buck
converter 100, which is also referred to as a Sleep Mode Refresh.
In more detail, when a recharge is not performed, the first,
second, third and fourth switching elements 1, 2, 3, 4 are in an
opened state, causing the buck converter 100 to be operated in a
Sleep Mode. Thus, in a Sleep Mode of the buck converter 100, all
switches are in an open state. During the refresh of the capacitor
7, the second switching element 2 is closed, causing the buck
converter 100 to perform a Sleep Mode Refresh. The current is
stored within the capacitor 7. Every time after a duration (e.g., a
predefined duration), for example, after 1 second, the CMOS Timer
circuit--which consumes a current of only some tens of nA during
operation--switches on the buck converter 100 for a very short time
to recharge the capacitor 7. The voltage at the output 15 of the
buck converter 100 may be higher than 5.5V. A sufficient value is
between 7V and 10V. In order to activate the buck converter 100,
and to perform the aforementioned Sleep Mode Refresh, the second
switching element 2 is closed to have a feedback for the buck
converter 100.
[0076] The battery system 100 further includes a transceiver
circuit 80, which in this embodiment may exemplarily be a CAN
transceiver circuit. The transceiver circuit 80 may be adapted to
cause the first, second, and fourth switching elements 1, 2, 4 to
be closed upon the reception of a first control signal CS.sub.1,
thereby causing the buck converter 100 to output a second output
voltage V.sub.2 having a value in a range (or set) of 11V to 13 V
(e.g., V.sub.2 [11V; 13V]), for example, V.sub.2=12V. However, in
other embodiments, the second output voltage V.sub.2 may have a
value in a range (or set) of 10.8V to 13.2V (e.g., V.sub.2 [10.8V;
13.2V]), when acceptable tolerances of about +/-10% for the second
output voltage V.sub.2 are taken into account. The battery
management circuit 90 is adapted to hold the first, second, and
fourth switching elements 1, 2, 4 in a closed state when provided
with the second output voltage V.sub.2. Thus, when the CAN
transceiver circuit detects a wakeup signal, a pin INH of the CAN
transceiver circuit is transferred into a high state, causing the
battery management circuit 90 to close the first, second, and
fourth switching elements 1, 2, 4, thereby causing the buck
converter 100 to output the second output voltage V.sub.2 of 12V.
When the first, second, and fourth switching elements 1, 2, 4 are
closed, the buck converter 100 is operated in a so called Normal
Mode. In other embodiments, the transceiver circuit 80 is adapted
to directly switch/close the aforementioned switching elements 1,
2, 4. When the first, second, and fourth switching elements 1, 2, 4
are transferred into a closed state, the battery management circuit
90--together with other components of the electronics of the
battery system 300--starts to operate. Furthermore, the battery
management circuit 90 sets a HOLD output to remain in the Normal
Mode.
[0077] Moreover, the battery system 300 further includes a fifth
switching element 5 electrically connected to the output terminal
15 of the buck converter 100 and to a first terminal of a relay 23.
The relay 23 includes a second terminal that is electrically
connected to the second potential 55 of the battery system 300. The
transceiver circuit 80 is adapted to cause the first, second,
third, fourth, and fifth switching elements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to be
closed for a duration (e.g., a predetermined duration) T upon the
reception of a second control signal CS.sub.2, thereby causing the
buck converter 100 to be operated in a so called Relay Close Mode,
and to provide the battery management circuit 90 with a third
output voltage V.sub.3 having a value in a range (or set) of 22V to
26V (e.g., V.sub.3 [22V; 26V]), for example, V.sub.3=24V. However,
in other embodiments, the third output voltage V.sub.3 may have a
value in the range (or set) of 21.5V to 26.5V (e.g., V.sub.3
[21.5V; 26.5V]), when acceptable tolerances of about +1-10% for the
third output voltage V.sub.3 are taken into account.
[0078] Thus, if the buck converter 100 is operated in the Normal
Mode with the relay 23 being in an opened state and the first,
second and fourth switching elements 1, 2, 4 being in a closed
state--which is also called "Normal Mode Relay off"--and there is a
request to switch on the relay 23, the third and fifth switching
elements 3, 5 are additionally switched on, thereby transferring
the buck converter 100 into the Relay Close Mode for the
aforementioned duration T. This causes the buck converter 100 to
have another feedback, which causes the output terminal 15 of the
buck converter 100 to rise to 24V. After the duration T--which in
this embodiment is equal to some milliseconds--when the relay 23
has been switched on, the third switching element 3 may be switched
off again, which causes the output voltage at the output terminal
15 of the buck converter 100 to drop to a voltage of 12V again.
Thus, the power consumption of the relay 23 may be decreased due to
a lower input (hold) voltage of 12V. This mode of operation of the
buck converter 100, in which the first, second, fourth, and fifth
switching elements 1, 2, 4, 5 are in a closed state, is also
referred to as "Normal Mode Relay on".
[0079] In this embodiment, the CMOS timer circuit 80 is used.
However, in other embodiments, a window comparator may be used to
(alternatingly) switch on or off the buck converter 100.
[0080] The different states of the buck converter 100 which depend
on the states of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth
switching elements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in the aforementioned modes,
namely the Sleep Mode (e.g., the first mode of operation), the
Sleep Mode Refresh, the Normal Mode (e.g., the second mode of
operation), Normal Mode Relay on, Normal Mode Relay off, and Relay
Close (e.g., the third mode of operation) may be described in the
following table:
TABLE-US-00001 Sleep Normal Normal Sleep Mode Mode Mode Relay
Switch Mode Refresh Relay on Relay off Close 1 OFF OFF ON ON ON 2
OFF ON ON ON ON 3 OFF OFF OFF OFF ON 4 OFF OFF ON ON ON 5 OFF OFF
ON OFF ON
[0081] The electronic or electric devices (e.g., the buck
converter, the timer circuit, the battery management circuit, the
transceiver circuit, etc.) and/or any other relevant devices or
components according to embodiments of the present invention
described herein may be implemented utilizing any suitable
hardware, firmware (e.g. an application-specific integrated
circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and
hardware. For example, the various components of these devices may
be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC
chips. Further, the various components of these devices may be
implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier
package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on one
substrate. Further, the various components of these devices may be
a process or thread, running on one or more processors, in one or
more computing devices, executing computer program instructions and
interacting with other system components for performing the various
functionalities described herein. The computer program instructions
are stored in a memory which may be implemented in a computing
device using a standard memory device, such as, for example, a
random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions may
also be stored in other non-transitory computer readable media such
as, for example, a CD-ROM, flash drive, or the like. Also, a person
of skill in the art should recognize that the functionality of
various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a
single computing device, or the functionality of a particular
computing device may be distributed across one or more other
computing devices without departing from the spirit and scope of
the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0082] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to the example embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that various changes and modifications to the described
embodiments may be performed, all without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in
the various arts will recognize that the present invention
described herein will suggest solutions to other tasks and
adaptations for other applications. It is the applicant's intention
to cover by the claims herein, all such uses of the present
invention, and those changes and modifications which could be made
to the example embodiments of the present invention herein chosen
for the purpose of disclosure, all without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the example
embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, with the spirit and
scope of the present invention being indicated by the appended
claims, and their equivalents.
* * * * *